The promulgation of Resolution 36-NQ/TW at the eighth session of the 12th Party Central Committee in October 2018 on the marine economic development strategy illustrates Vietnam’s broad strategic vision of turning the country into a strong maritime nation.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung

In an article titled “Proactively enhancing and expanding external relations and international cooperation in maritime issues” published on Nhan dan (People) newspaper on January 11, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said the resolution affirms Vietnam’s special attention to this matter.

Trung, also head of the National Border Committee, said promoting foreign relations and cooperation in sea-related issues is one of the five major guidelines set in the resolution, aiming to build and maintain a peaceful, stable environment and legal order at sea as the basis for the safe and efficient use of maritime resources.

Vietnam also wants to join the global efforts in sustainable use and preservation of sea and ocean while obtaining international support to enhance maritime management and exploitation, he said.

Pursuing a consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification, and active international integration, Vietnam will continue enhancing relations with countries, especially those with strong marine potential, on the basis of respecting independence, sovereignty, equality and mutual benefits.

Vietnam will also firmly defend its national sea and island sovereignty as well as its legitimate interests in addition to solving disputes via peaceful means based on international law to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for mutual development, Trung said.

At the same time, the country will join regional and international forums to promote cooperation in the field, he added.

He also reiterated Vietnam’s consistent viewpoint of addressing disputes in the East Sea on the basis of international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.

The country will conduct cooperation in various maritime fields with other countries for mutual benefits and sustainable development, according to the Deputy FM.